U.S. patent application number 16/836917 was filed with the patent office on 2020-10-08 for switching between load-based mode and frame-based mode when operating in unlicensed band in mobile communications.
The applicant listed for this patent is MediaTek Singapore Pte. Ltd.. Invention is credited to Timothy Perrin Fisher-Jeffes.
Application Number | 20200322987 16/836917 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004784017 |
Filed Date | 2020-10-08 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200322987 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fisher-Jeffes; Timothy
Perrin |
October 8, 2020 |
Switching Between Load-Based Mode And Frame-Based Mode When
Operating In Unlicensed Band In Mobile Communications
Abstract
Examples pertaining to switching between load-based mode and
frame-based mode when operating in unlicensed band in mobile
communications are described. An apparatus implemented in a user
equipment (UE) establishes wireless communication with a network in
an unlicensed band. The apparatus determines to switch between a
load-based equipment (LBE) mode and a frame-based equipment (FBE)
mode. The apparatus then switches between the LBE mode and the FBE
mode in response to the determining.
Inventors: |
Fisher-Jeffes; Timothy Perrin;
(San Jose, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MediaTek Singapore Pte. Ltd. |
Singapore |
|
SG |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004784017 |
Appl. No.: |
16/836917 |
Filed: |
April 1, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62827915 |
Apr 2, 2019 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04W 74/0808 20130101;
H04W 16/14 20130101; H04W 74/006 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04W 74/08 20060101
H04W074/08; H04W 16/14 20060101 H04W016/14; H04W 74/00 20060101
H04W074/00 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: establishing, by a processor of an
apparatus implemented in a user equipment (UE), wireless
communication with a network in an unlicensed band; determining, by
the processor, to switch between a load-based equipment (LBE) mode
and a frame-based equipment (FBE) mode; and switching, by the
processor, between the LBE mode and the FBE mode responsive to the
determining.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining to switch between
the LBE mode and the FBE mode comprises receiving a message from
the network to switch between the LBE mode and the FBE mode.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the receiving of the message to
switch between the LBE mode and the FBE mode comprises receiving
the message to switch from the LBE mode to the FBE mode.
4. The method of claim 3, wherein the message contains information
comprising a fixed frame period (FFP) and a starting point of the
FFP for the FBE mode.
5. The method of claim 2, wherein the receiving of the message
comprises: receiving a radio resource control (RRC) configuration
via RRC signaling; or receiving a system information block (SIB) as
part of a broadcast from the network.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining to switch between
the LBE mode and the FBE mode comprises: detecting a condition; and
determining to switch between the LBE mode and the FBE mode
responsive to the detecting of the condition.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the switching between the LBE
mode and the FBE mode comprises switching from the LBE mode to the
FBE mode, and wherein the detecting of the condition comprises
detecting one or more of: other than the UE, there being no other
UE operating on an operating frequency; the operating frequency
being occupied by multiple UEs operating in the LBE mode and using
a priority class access with a same transmit opportunity (TXOP);
the operating frequency being occupied by a number of UEs with the
number being less than a threshold; a need for the UE to conserve
power; and one or more other UEs operating near full buffer.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein the switching between the LBE
mode and the FBE mode comprises switching from the FBE mode to the
LBE mode, and wherein the detecting of the condition comprises
detecting one or more of: there being high-priority data for
transmission; and an operating frequency is fully occupied by a
plurality of UEs that are operating at different access priorities
and different transmit opportunity (TXOP) lengths.
9. A method, comprising: establishing, by a processor of an
apparatus implemented in a network node of a network, wireless
communication with a user equipment (UE) in an unlicensed band;
determining, by the processor, a need to switch between a
load-based equipment (LBE) mode and a frame-based equipment (FBE)
mode; and transmitting, by the processor, to the UE a message which
is capable of driving the UE to switch between the LBE mode and the
FBE mode.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the transmitting of the message
which is capable of driving the UE to switch between the LBE mode
and the FBE mode comprises transmitting the message which is
capable of driving the UE to switch from the LBE mode to the FBE
mode, and wherein the message contains information comprising a
fixed frame period (FFP) and a starting point of the FFP for the
FBE mode.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the transmitting of the message
which is capable of driving the UE to switch between the LBE mode
and the FBE mode comprises transmitting the message which is
capable of driving the UE to switch from the FBE mode to the LBE
mode.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein the transmitting of the message
comprises: transmitting a radio resource control (RRC)
configuration via RRC signaling; or transmitting a system
information block (SIB) as part of a broadcast by the network
node.
13. An apparatus implemented in a user equipment (UE), comprising:
a transceiver configured to communicate with a network; and a
processor coupled to the transceiver and configured to perform
operations comprising: establishing, via the transceiver, wireless
communication with the network in an unlicensed band; determining
to switch between a load-based equipment (LBE) mode and a
frame-based equipment (FBE) mode; and switching between the LBE
mode and the FBE mode responsive to the determining.
14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, in determining to switch
between the LBE mode and the FBE mode, the processor receives, via
the transceiver, a message from the network to switch between the
LBE mode and the FBE mode.
15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, in receiving the message to
switch between the LBE mode and the FBE mode, the processor
receives, via the transceiver, the message to switch from the LBE
mode to the FBE mode, and wherein the message contains information
comprising a fixed frame period (FFP) and a starting point of the
FFP for the FBE mode.
16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, in receiving the message to
switch between the LBE mode and the FBE mode, the processor
receives, via the transceiver, the message to switch from the FBE
mode to the LBE mode.
17. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein, in receiving the message,
the processor either: receives, via the transceiver, a radio
resource control (RRC) configuration via RRC signaling; or
receives, via the transceiver, a system information block (SIB) as
part of a broadcast from the network.
18. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein, in determining to switch
between the LBE mode and the FBE mode, the processor performs
operations comprising: detecting a condition; and determining to
switch between the LBE mode and the FBE mode responsive to the
detecting of the condition.
19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, in switching between the
LBE mode and the FBE mode, the processor switches from the LBE mode
to the FBE mode, and wherein, in detecting the condition, the
processor detects, via the transceiver, one or more of: other than
the UE, there being no other UE operating on an operating
frequency; the operating frequency being occupied by multiple UEs
operating in the LBE mode and using a priority class access with a
same transmit opportunity (TXOP); the operating frequency being
occupied by a number of UEs with the number being less than a
threshold; a need for the UE to conserve power; and one or more
other UEs operating near full buffer.
20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein, in switching between the
LBE mode and the FBE mode, the processor switches from the FBE mode
to the LBE mode, and wherein, in detecting the condition, the
processor detects, via the transceiver, one or more of: there being
high-priority data for transmission; and an operating frequency is
fully occupied by a plurality of UEs that are operating at
different access priorities and different transmit opportunity
(TXOP) lengths.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION(S)
[0001] The present disclosure is part of a non-provisional
application claiming the priority benefit of U.S. Patent
Application No. 62/827,915, filed on 2 Apr. 2019, the content of
which being incorporated by reference in its entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure is generally related to mobile
communications and, more particularly, to techniques pertaining to
switching between load-based mode and frame-based mode when
operating in unlicensed band in mobile communications.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Unless otherwise indicated herein, approaches described in
this section are not prior art to the claims listed below and are
not admitted as prior art by inclusion in this section.
[0004] In wireless communications, currently load-based equipment
(LBE) mode of operation is the incumbent mode in which the majority
of wireless devices operate such as, for examine, in the cases of
Wi-Fi and licensed-assisted access (LAA) under the 3.sup.rd
Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specifications. However,
without decoding the Wi-Fi preamble or LAA neighbor cell
configuration, an LAA-compliant device would have no way of knowing
how long a competing Wi-Fi/LAA device would occupy a channel.
Consequently, there would be no way for such LAA device to know how
long it may be able to stay in a sleep or low-power mode, and it
would be power consuming for the device to continuously and/or
repeatedly sense the channel for extended period(s) of time.
[0005] On the other hand, frame-based equipment (FBE) adaptivity
only mandates a single 9 .mu.s sensing period recurring immediately
prior to a defined fixed frame period (FFP). This would result in
reduced complexity and lower power consumption in sensing the
channel. However, a network is typically set up and initialized as
either a LBE network or a FBE network, but not both. Therefore,
there is a need for a solution to switch between LBE mode and FBE
mode.
SUMMARY
[0006] The following summary is illustrative only and is not
intended to be limiting in any way. That is, the following summary
is provided to introduce concepts, highlights, benefits and
advantages of the novel and non-obvious techniques described
herein. Select implementations are further described below in the
detailed description. Thus, the following summary is not intended
to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor
is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed
subject matter.
[0007] One objective of the present disclosure is to propose
various schemes, concepts, designs, techniques, methods and
apparatuses to address the aforementioned issue. In particular, the
present disclosure aims to provide schemes to allow for both FBE
mode and LBE mode of operations and for a network to choose when to
leverage the benefits of either mode and to switch from one mode to
the other as the network deems appropriate or necessary.
[0008] In one aspect, a method may involve a processor of an
apparatus, implemented in a user equipment (UE), establishing
wireless communication with a network in an unlicensed band. The
method may also involve the processor determining to switch between
a load-based equipment (LBE) mode and a frame-based equipment (FBE)
mode. The method may further involve the processor switching
between the LBE mode and the FBE mode responsive to the
determining.
[0009] In another aspect, a method may involve a processor of an
apparatus, implemented in a network node of a network, establishing
wireless communication with a UE in an unlicensed band. The method
may also involve the processor determining a need to switch between
a LBE mode and a FBE mode. The method may further involve the
processor transmitting a message to the UE which is capable of
driving the UE to switch between the LBE mode and the FBE mode.
[0010] In yet another aspect, an apparatus implemented in a FBE may
include a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver.
The transceiver may be configured to communicate with a network.
The processor may be configured to establish, via the transceiver,
wireless communication with the network in an unlicensed band. The
processor may be also configured to determine to switch between a
LBE mode and a FBE mode. The processor may be further configured to
switch between the LBE mode and the FBE mode responsive to the
determining.
[0011] It is noteworthy that, although description provided herein
may be in the context of certain radio access technologies,
networks and network topologies such as 5.sup.th Generation
(5G)/New Radio (NR) mobile networking, the proposed concepts,
schemes and any variation(s)/derivative(s) thereof may be
implemented in, for and by other types of wireless and wired
communication technologies, networks and network topologies such
as, for example and without limitation, Ethernet, Evolved Packet
System (EPS), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN),
Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), Global System for Mobile communications
(GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)/Enhanced Data rates for
Global Evolution (EDGE) Radio Access Network (GERAN), Long-Term
Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, Internet-of-Things
(IoT), Industrial Internet-of-Things (IIoT), Narrow Band Internet
of Things (NB-IoT), and any future-developed networking
technologies. Thus, the scope of the present disclosure is not
limited to the examples described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of the present disclosure. The drawings
illustrate implementations of the disclosure and, together with the
description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. It
is appreciable that the drawings are not necessarily in scale as
some components may be shown to be out of proportion than the size
in actual implementation in order to clearly illustrate the concept
of the present disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example network environment in
which various solutions and schemes in accordance with the present
disclosure may be implemented.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example communication system
in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an example process in accordance
with an implementation of the present disclosure.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an example process in accordance
with an implementation of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED IMPLEMENTATIONS
[0017] Detailed embodiments and implementations of the claimed
subject matters are disclosed herein. However, it shall be
understood that the disclosed embodiments and implementations are
merely illustrative of the claimed subject matters which may be
embodied in various forms. The present disclosure may, however, be
embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as
limited to the exemplary embodiments and implementations set forth
herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments and implementations are
provided so that description of the present disclosure is thorough
and complete and will fully convey the scope of the present
disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the description below,
details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to
avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments and
implementations.
Overview
[0018] Implementations in accordance with the present disclosure
relate to various techniques, methods, schemes and/or solutions
pertaining to switching between load-based mode and frame-based
mode when operating in unlicensed band in mobile communications.
According to the present disclosure, a number of possible solutions
may be implemented separately or jointly. That is, although these
possible solutions may be described below separately, two or more
of these possible solutions may be implemented in one combination
or another.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an example network environment 100 in
which various solutions and schemes in accordance with the present
disclosure may be implemented. Referring to FIG. 1, network
environment 100 may involve a UE 110 in wireless communication with
a wireless network 120 (e.g., a 5G NR mobile network). UE 110 may
be in wireless communication with wireless network 120 via a base
station or network node 125 (e.g., an eNB, gNB or transmit-receive
point (TRP)). In network environment 100, UE 110 and wireless
network 120 may implement various schemes pertaining to switching
between load-based mode and frame-based mode when operating in
unlicensed band in mobile communications in accordance with the
present disclosure, as described herein.
[0020] Currently, LBE clear carrier assessment (CCA) sensing
procedures as defined by the European Telecommunications Standards
Institute (ETSI) in ETSI EN regulations tend to cause high power
consumption on the part of UEs. ETSI EN regulations do not yet
explicitly prevent switching between LBE mode and FBE mode. A
device or UE needs to declare what type of device (whether LBE or
FBE) it is, although there is no exclusion for declaring both.
[0021] Under a proposed scheme in accordance with the present
disclosure, UE 110 may switch between operating in the FBE mode and
operating in the LBE mode (e.g., from FBE mode to LBE mode or from
LBE mode to FBE mode). For instance, based on a result of sensing
other neighboring devices, UE 110 may determine in which mode it is
to operate. Some advantages associated with operating in the FBE
mode may include, for example and without limitation, lower power
consumption during carrier/channel sensing, enablement of advanced
coordinated receiver architectures such as coordinated multipoint
(CoMP), simpler implementation, and similarity to 3GPP synchronous
operation.
[0022] Under the proposed scheme, message transmitted by network
node 125 (e.g., to UE 110 and other UEs (not shown)) to reconfigure
an entire cell associated with network node 125 from one mode to
the other (e.g., from FBE mode to LBE mode or from LBE mode to FBE
mode) may entail the same or similar information as required on
initial setup using system information block (SIB) messages. For
instance, such reconfiguration messages may be transmitted by
network node 125 to all UEs in the cell in preparation for the
switch. The messages to switch from LBE mode to FBE mode may
include FFP and also the start position of the FFP (e.g., offset)
for FBE mode. This may be moved to a dynamic mode where a message
is carried by a radio resource control (RRC) configuration, as is
done for LBE mode.
[0023] Under a proposed scheme in accordance with the present
disclosure, UE 110 may determine to switch between LBE mode and FBE
mode upon detecting one or more conditions. For instance, UE 110
may determine to switch from LBE mode to FBE mode upon detecting
one or more of the following: (a) other than apparatus 210, there
being no other UE operating on an operating frequency; (b) the
operating frequency being occupied by multiple UEs operating in the
LBE mode and using a priority class access with a same transmit
opportunity (TXOP); (c) the operating frequency being occupied by a
number of UEs with the number being less than a threshold; (d) a
need for apparatus 210 to conserve power; and (e) one or more other
UEs operating near full buffer. Moreover, UE 110 may determine to
switch from FBE mode to LBE mode upon detecting either or both of
the following: (a) there being high-priority data for transmission;
and (b) an operating frequency is fully occupied by a plurality of
UEs that are operating at different access priorities and different
TXOP lengths.
Illustrative Implementations
[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an example communication system 200
having at least an example apparatus 210 and an example apparatus
220 in accordance with an implementation of the present disclosure.
Each of apparatus 210 and apparatus 220 may perform various
functions to implement schemes, techniques, processes and methods
described herein pertaining to switching between load-based mode
and frame-based mode when operating in unlicensed band in mobile
communications, including the various schemes described above with
respect to various proposed designs, concepts, schemes, systems and
methods described above, including network environment 100, as well
as processes described below.
[0025] Each of apparatus 210 and apparatus 220 may be a part of an
electronic apparatus, which may be a network apparatus or a UE
(e.g., UE 110), such as a portable or mobile apparatus, a wearable
apparatus, a vehicular device or a vehicle, a wireless
communication apparatus or a computing apparatus. For instance,
each of apparatus 210 and apparatus 220 may be implemented in a
smartphone, a smart watch, a personal digital assistant, an
electronic control unit (ECU) in a vehicle, a digital camera, or a
computing equipment such as a tablet computer, a laptop computer or
a notebook computer. Each of apparatus 210 and apparatus 220 may
also be a part of a machine type apparatus, which may be an IoT
apparatus such as an immobile or a stationary apparatus, a home
apparatus, a roadside unit (RSU), a wire communication apparatus or
a computing apparatus. For instance, each of apparatus 210 and
apparatus 220 may be implemented in a smart thermostat, a smart
fridge, a smart door lock, a wireless speaker or a home control
center. When implemented in or as a network apparatus, apparatus
210 and/or apparatus 220 may be implemented in an eNodeB in an LTE,
LTE-Advanced or LTE-Advanced Pro network or in a gNB or TRP in a 5G
network, an NR network or an IoT network.
[0026] In some implementations, each of apparatus 210 and apparatus
220 may be implemented in the form of one or more
integrated-circuit (IC) chips such as, for example and without
limitation, one or more single-core processors, one or more
multi-core processors, one or more
complex-instruction-set-computing (CISC) processors, or one or more
reduced-instruction-set-computing (RISC) processors. In the various
schemes described above, each of apparatus 210 and apparatus 220
may be implemented in or as a network apparatus or a UE. Each of
apparatus 210 and apparatus 220 may include at least some of those
components shown in FIG. 2 such as a processor 212 and a processor
222, respectively, for example. Each of apparatus 210 and apparatus
220 may further include one or more other components not pertinent
to the proposed scheme of the present disclosure (e.g., internal
power supply, display device and/or user interface device), and,
thus, such component(s) of apparatus 210 and apparatus 220 are
neither shown in FIG. 2 nor described below in the interest of
simplicity and brevity.
[0027] In one aspect, each of processor 212 and processor 222 may
be implemented in the form of one or more single-core processors,
one or more multi-core processors, or one or more CISC or RISC
processors. That is, even though a singular term "a processor" is
used herein to refer to processor 212 and processor 222, each of
processor 212 and processor 222 may include multiple processors in
some implementations and a single processor in other
implementations in accordance with the present disclosure. In
another aspect, each of processor 212 and processor 222 may be
implemented in the form of hardware (and, optionally, firmware)
with electronic components including, for example and without
limitation, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, one or
more capacitors, one or more resistors, one or more inductors, one
or more memristors and/or one or more varactors that are configured
and arranged to achieve specific purposes in accordance with the
present disclosure. In other words, in at least some
implementations, each of processor 212 and processor 222 is a
special-purpose machine specifically designed, arranged and
configured to perform specific tasks including those pertaining to
switching between load-based mode and frame-based mode when
operating in unlicensed band in mobile communications in accordance
with various implementations of the present disclosure.
[0028] In some implementations, apparatus 210 may also include a
transceiver 216 coupled to processor 212. Transceiver 216 may be
capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In some
implementations, transceiver 216 may be capable of wirelessly
communicating with different types of wireless networks of
different radio access technologies (RATs). In some
implementations, transceiver 216 may be equipped with a plurality
of antenna ports (not shown) such as, for example, four antenna
ports. That is, transceiver 216 may be equipped with multiple
transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas for multiple-input
multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communications. In some
implementations, apparatus 220 may also include a transceiver 226
coupled to processor 222. Transceiver 226 may include a transceiver
capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In some
implementations, transceiver 226 may be capable of wirelessly
communicating with different types of UEs/wireless networks of
different RATs. In some implementations, transceiver 226 may be
equipped with a plurality of antenna ports (not shown) such as, for
example, four antenna ports. That is, transceiver 226 may be
equipped with multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive
antennas for MIMO wireless communications.
[0029] In some implementations, apparatus 210 may further include a
memory 214 coupled to processor 212 and capable of being accessed
by processor 212 and storing data therein. In some implementations,
apparatus 220 may further include a memory 224 coupled to processor
222 and capable of being accessed by processor 222 and storing data
therein. Each of memory 214 and memory 224 may include a type of
random-access memory (RAM) such as dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM
(SRAM), thyristor RAM (T-RAM) and/or zero-capacitor RAM (Z-RAM).
Alternatively, or additionally, each of memory 214 and memory 224
may include a type of read-only memory (ROM) such as mask ROM,
programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM) and/or
electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM). Alternatively, or
additionally, each of memory 214 and memory 224 may include a type
of non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM) such as flash memory,
solid-state memory, ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetoresistive RAM
(MRAM) and/or phase-change memory.
[0030] Each of apparatus 210 and apparatus 220 may be a
communication entity capable of communicating with each other using
various proposed schemes in accordance with the present disclosure.
For illustrative purposes and without limitation, a description of
capabilities of apparatus 210, as a UE (e.g., UE 110), and
apparatus 220, as a network node (e.g., network node 125) of a
wireless network (e.g., wireless network 120 as a 5G/NR mobile
network), is provided below.
[0031] In one aspect of switching between load-based mode and
frame-based mode when operating in unlicensed band in mobile
communications in accordance with the present disclosure, processor
212 of apparatus 210, implemented in a UE (e.g., UE 110), may
establish, via transceiver 216, wireless communication with a
network (e.g., wireless network 120) via apparatus 220 as network
node 125 in an unlicensed band. Additionally, processor 212 may
determine to switch between a LBE mode and a FBE mode. Moreover,
processor 212 may switch between the LBE mode and the FBE mode
responsive to the determining.
[0032] In some implementations, in determining to switch between
the LBE mode and the FBE mode, processor 212 may receive a message
from the network via apparatus 220 to switch between the LBE mode
and the FBE mode.
[0033] In some implementations, in receiving the message to switch
between the LBE mode and the FBE mode, processor 212 may receive
the message to switch from the LBE mode to the FBE mode. In such
cases, the message may contain information comprising a FFP and a
starting point of the FFP for the FBE mode. Alternatively, in
receiving the message processor 212 may perform certain operations.
For instance, processor 212 may receive a RRC configuration via RRC
signaling or, alternatively, processor 212 may receive a SIB as
part of a broadcast from the network via apparatus 220.
[0034] In some implementations, in determining to switch between
the LBE mode and the FBE mode, processor 212 may perform certain
operations. For instance, processor 212 may detect a condition.
Additionally, processor 212 may determine to switch between the LBE
mode and the FBE mode responsive to the detecting of the
condition.
[0035] In some implementations, in switching between the LBE mode
and the FBE mode, processor 212 may switch from the LBE mode to the
FBE mode. In such cases, in detecting the condition, processor 212
may detect one or more of the following: (a) other than apparatus
210, there being no other UE operating on an operating frequency;
(b) the operating frequency being occupied by multiple UEs
operating in the LBE mode and using a priority class access with a
same TXOP; (c) the operating frequency being occupied by a number
of UEs with the number being less than a threshold; (d) a need for
apparatus 210 to conserve power; and (e) one or more other UEs
operating near full buffer.
[0036] Alternatively, in switching between the LBE mode and the FBE
mode, processor 212 may switch from the FBE mode to the LBE mode.
In such cases, in detecting the condition, processor 212 may detect
one or more of the following: (a) there being high-priority data
for transmission; and (b) an operating frequency is fully occupied
by a plurality of UEs that are operating at different access
priorities and different TXOP lengths.
[0037] In another aspect of switching between load-based mode and
frame-based mode when operating in unlicensed band in mobile
communications in accordance with the present disclosure, processor
222 of apparatus 220, implemented in a network node (e.g., network
node 125) of a network (e.g., wireless network 120), establishing,
via transceiver 226, wireless communication with a UE (e.g.,
apparatus 210) in an unlicensed band. Moreover, processor 222 may
determine a need to switch between a LBE mode and a FBE mode.
Furthermore, processor 222 may transmit, via transceiver 226, a
message to apparatus 210 which is capable of driving apparatus 210
to switch between the LBE mode and the FBE mode.
[0038] In some implementations, in transmitting the message which
is capable of driving apparatus 210 to switch between the LBE mode
and the FBE mode, processor 222 may transmit the message which is
capable of driving apparatus 210 to switch from the LBE mode to the
FBE mode. In such cases, the message may contain information
comprising a FFP and a starting point of the FFP for the FBE
mode.
[0039] Alternatively, in transmitting the message which is capable
of driving apparatus 210 to switch between the LBE mode and the FBE
mode, processor 222 may transmit the message which is capable of
driving apparatus 210 to switch from the FBE mode to the LBE
mode.
[0040] In some implementations, in transmitting the message,
processor 222 may perform certain operations. For instance,
processor 222 may transmit a RRC configuration via RRC signaling
or, alternatively, processor 222 may transmit a SIB as part of a
broadcast by apparatus 220.
Illustrative Processes
[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates an example process 300 in accordance with
an implementation of the present disclosure. Process 300 may
represent an aspect of implementing various proposed designs,
concepts, schemes, systems and methods described above, whether
partially or entirely, including those pertaining to FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2. More specifically, process 300 may represent an aspect of
the proposed concepts and schemes pertaining to switching between
load-based mode and frame-based mode when operating in unlicensed
band in mobile communications. Process 300 may include one or more
operations, actions, or functions as illustrated by one or more of
blocks 310, 320 and 330. Although illustrated as discrete blocks,
various blocks of process 300 may be divided into additional
blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the
desired implementation. Moreover, the blocks/sub-blocks of process
300 may be executed in the order shown in FIG. 3 or, alternatively
in a different order. Furthermore, one or more of the
blocks/sub-blocks of process 300 may be executed iteratively.
Process 300 may be implemented by or in apparatus 210 and apparatus
220 as well as any variations thereof. Solely for illustrative
purposes and without limiting the scope, process 300 is described
below in the context of apparatus 210 as a UE (e.g., UE 110) and
apparatus 220 as a communication entity such as a network node or
base station (e.g., network node 125) of a wireless network (e.g.,
wireless network 120). Process 300 may begin at block 310.
[0042] At 310, process 300 may involve processor 212 of apparatus
210, implemented in a UE (e.g., UE 110), establishing, via
transceiver 216, wireless communication with a network (e.g.,
wireless network 120) via apparatus 220 as network node 125 in an
unlicensed band. Process 300 may proceed from 310 to 320.
[0043] At 320, process 300 may involve processor 212 determining to
switch between a LBE mode and a FBE mode. Process 300 may proceed
from 320 to 330.
[0044] At 330, process 300 may involve processor 212 switching
between the LBE mode and the FBE mode responsive to the
determining. Process 300 may proceed from 330 back to 320 as
processor 212 may continuously monitor and determine whether
switching between the LBE mode and the FBE mode would be required
or not.
[0045] In some implementations, in determining to switch between
the LBE mode and the FBE mode, process 300 may involve processor
212 receiving a message from the network via apparatus 220 to
switch between the LBE mode and the FBE mode.
[0046] In some implementations, in receiving the message to switch
between the LBE mode and the FBE mode, process 300 may involve
processor 212 receiving the message to switch from the LBE mode to
the FBE mode. In such cases, the message may contain information
comprising a FFP and a starting point of the FFP for the FBE mode.
Alternatively, in receiving the message, process 300 may involve
processor 212 performing certain operations. For instance, process
300 may involve processor 212 receiving a RRC configuration via RRC
signaling or, alternatively, process 300 may involve processor 212
receiving a SIB as part of a broadcast from the network via
apparatus 220.
[0047] In some implementations, in determining to switch between
the LBE mode and the FBE mode, process 300 may involve processor
212 performing certain operations. For instance, process 300 may
involve processor 212 detecting a condition. Additionally, process
300 may involve processor 212 determining to switch between the LBE
mode and the FBE mode responsive to the detecting of the
condition.
[0048] In some implementations, in switching between the LBE mode
and the FBE mode, process 300 may involve processor 212 switching
from the LBE mode to the FBE mode. In such cases, in detecting the
condition, process 300 may involve processor 212 detecting one or
more of the following: (a) other than apparatus 210, there being no
other UE operating on an operating frequency; (b) the operating
frequency being occupied by multiple UEs operating in the LBE mode
and using a priority class access with a same TXOP; (c) the
operating frequency being occupied by a number of UEs with the
number being less than a threshold; (d) a need for apparatus 210 to
conserve power; and (e) one or more other UEs operating near full
buffer.
[0049] Alternatively, in switching between the LBE mode and the FBE
mode, process 300 may involve processor 212 switching from the FBE
mode to the LBE mode. In such cases, in detecting the condition,
process 300 may involve processor 212 detecting one or more of the
following: (a) there being high-priority data for transmission; and
(b) an operating frequency is fully occupied by a plurality of UEs
that are operating at different access priorities and different
TXOP lengths.
[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates an example process 400 in accordance with
an implementation of the present disclosure. Process 400 may
represent an aspect of implementing various proposed designs,
concepts, schemes, systems and methods described above, whether
partially or entirely, including those pertaining to FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2. More specifically, process 400 may represent an aspect of
the proposed concepts and schemes pertaining to switching between
load-based mode and frame-based mode when operating in unlicensed
band in mobile communications. Process 400 may include one or more
operations, actions, or functions as illustrated by one or more of
blocks 410, 420 and 430. Although illustrated as discrete blocks,
various blocks of process 400 may be divided into additional
blocks, combined into fewer blocks, or eliminated, depending on the
desired implementation. Moreover, the blocks/sub-blocks of process
400 may be executed in the order shown in FIG. 4 or, alternatively
in a different order. Furthermore, one or more of the
blocks/sub-blocks of process 400 may be executed iteratively.
Process 400 may be implemented by or in apparatus 210 and apparatus
220 as well as any variations thereof. Solely for illustrative
purposes and without limiting the scope, process 400 is described
below in the context of apparatus 210 as a UE (e.g., UE 110) and
apparatus 220 as a communication entity such as a network node or
base station (e.g., network node 125) of a wireless network (e.g.,
wireless network 120). Process 400 may begin at block 410.
[0051] At 410, process 400 may involve processor 222 of apparatus
220, implemented in a network node (e.g., network node 125) of a
network (e.g., wireless network 120), establishing, via transceiver
226, wireless communication with a UE (e.g., apparatus 210) in an
unlicensed band. Process 400 may proceed from 410 to 420.
[0052] At 420, process 400 may involve processor 222 determining a
need to switch between a LBE mode and a FBE mode. Process 400 may
proceed from 420 to 430.
[0053] At 430, process 400 may involve processor 222 transmitting,
via transceiver 226, a message to apparatus 210 which is capable of
driving apparatus 210 to switch between the LBE mode and the FBE
mode. Process 400 may proceed from 430 back to 420 as processor 222
may continuously monitor and determine whether switching between
the LBE mode and the FBE mode would be required or not.
[0054] In some implementations, in transmitting the message which
is capable of driving apparatus 210 to switch between the LBE mode
and the FBE mode, process 400 may involve processor 222
transmitting the message which is capable of driving apparatus 210
to switch from the LBE mode to the FBE mode. In such cases, the
message may contain information comprising a FFP and a starting
point of the FFP for the FBE mode.
[0055] Alternatively, in transmitting the message which is capable
of driving apparatus 210 to switch between the LBE mode and the FBE
mode, process 400 may involve processor 222 transmitting the
message which is capable of driving apparatus 210 to switch from
the FBE mode to the LBE mode.
[0056] In some implementations, in transmitting the message,
process 400 may involve processor 222 performing certain
operations. For instance, process 400 may involve processor 222
transmitting a RRC configuration via RRC signaling or,
alternatively, process 400 may involve processor 222 transmitting a
SIB as part of a broadcast by apparatus 220.
Additional Notes
[0057] The herein-described subject matter sometimes illustrates
different components contained within, or connected with, different
other components. It is to be understood that such depicted
architectures are merely examples, and that in fact many other
architectures can be implemented which achieve the same
functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components
to achieve the same functionality is effectively "associated" such
that the desired functionality is achieved. Hence, any two
components herein combined to achieve a particular functionality
can be seen as "associated with" each other such that the desired
functionality is achieved, irrespective of architectures or
intermedial components. Likewise, any two components so associated
can also be viewed as being "operably connected", or "operably
coupled", to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and
any two components capable of being so associated can also be
viewed as being "operably couplable", to each other to achieve the
desired functionality. Specific examples of operably couplable
include but are not limited to physically mateable and/or
physically interacting components and/or wirelessly interactable
and/or wirelessly interacting components and/or logically
interacting and/or logically interactable components.
[0058] Further, with respect to the use of substantially any plural
and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can
translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular
to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application.
The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth
herein for sake of clarity.
[0059] Moreover, it will be understood by those skilled in the art
that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended
claims, e.g., bodies of the appended claims, are generally intended
as "open" terms, e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted
as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc. It will be
further understood by those within the art that if a specific
number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an
intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence
of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an
aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain
usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more"
to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases
should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim
recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any
particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to
implementations containing only one such recitation, even when the
same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at
least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an," e.g., "a"
and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or
more;" the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to
introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number
of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those
skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be
interpreted to mean at least the recited number, e.g., the bare
recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at
least two recitations, or two or more recitations. Furthermore, in
those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A,
B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended
in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the
convention, e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C"
would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B
alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C
together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc. In those instances
where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc."
is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense
one having skill in the art would understand the convention, e.g.,
"a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not
be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B
together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C
together, etc. It will be further understood by those within the
art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting
two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims,
or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities
of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms.
For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the
possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."
[0060] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that various
implementations of the present disclosure have been described
herein for purposes of illustration, and that various modifications
may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the
present disclosure. Accordingly, the various implementations
disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, with the true
scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
* * * * *